4 Different Types of Depression

Depression is a disorder that affects many people and can begin at any age, and the potential for depression can lurk deep within almost everyone, so finding help when you first encounter any signs that you are unable to shake off those feelings of sadness can be essential.

Feeling blue, what’s new?
So what is depression? Some people may only be familiar with the type of depression that causes sadness, the type that keeps you from leading a normal daily life; when the simplest of daily routines can be difficult and even getting out of bed in the morning can be overwhelming. But knowing more about other types of depression and depression symptoms can help you recognise and respond in the best way, for yourself or a loved one.

Age-related depression is completely natural for people when they reach middle age. Often setting in around the age of 50, reflection of the past years can cause regret. Regret plays a big part in this type of depression, the regret of opportunities that were missed, the regret of not spending enough time with the kids when they were little, the regret of not seeing enough of the world and the regret for things done wrong in the past.

No one can dodge the aging process, but this type of depression can be avoided by learning to accept and forgive yourself and others for past events. We could only ever act in the way that we knew at that time with the information we had, so holding onto past scenarios is a recipe for regret. Learn new tools for living in the present and give yourself permission to go forth and enjoy the many years ahead.

Postnatal Depression (PND) is caused by fluctuating hormones after delivery and new mothers can find themselves suffering severe bouts of depression and often even the excitement of a new baby can do nothing to dispel the feelings of utter gloom. PND can linger for long periods, so finding the right resources or counselling to help you through this battle is the utmost importance at this time. No one else can change the way you feel about your life, only you can, so acquire new information and learn new techniques to get out of the darkness.

Grief-related depression can feel like utter despair. Whether it is due to a death of a loved one or the end of a marriage or relationship, the immense grief of being without that person can be overwhelming. This type of depression can commonly affect people who are highly introverted, who may find it even more difficult to ask for help, in time they may become totally isolated so it is crucial for them to know that help is available and that they are not alone under this seemingly never ending cloud.

Teenage depression can be hard to spot, with raging hormones leading to angry outbursts, this could be just classed as usual teenage behaviour. So when do the symptoms of depression become more apparent?

Complaints about physical ailments such as stomach aches or headaches can be characteristic, along with obvious personality changes, which have been brought on by overwhelming feelings of anger or despair. Often, teenagers suffering depression are unaware of their own moodiness and don’t feel they need help, others are simply unaware of how to seek assistance on their own and very often they feel they have nowhere to turn.

They may not be able to break the cycle on their own, so finding someone they trust who can show them real life-changing coping techniques can be crucial at this difficult stage of life. Depression can become serious if not recognised early, and it can be hard to escape from if you’ve fallen too deep to be able to pull yourself out, but that doesn’t mean there is no hope. Yes, it can be hard, but what’s harder is trying to deal with it on your own. Seek help from people around you and don’t lock yourself away from the outside world, depression doesn’t have to be your prison cell.

Whatever type of depression you or your loved one is suffering with, help is out there, you are not alone and there is an escape route, for more information on our programs, you can Contact us or call 1300 294 290, if you would prefer to simply have an online chat about how we can help you, click through to www.fountainhead.com.au.